What you have to do, is make several sample pairs for demo and display purposes, that exhibit the same quality levels in sound, fit, and finish, that the production models will have. Then, you become your own rep. You rent exhibit space at the major shows. You travel the country to potential dealers, and demo the speakers in their stores to the owners. You have all the particulars for dealer cost, margins, price breaks, delivery times, finish options, model line-up, etc. Then you will see if you get some dealer representation. Send a set to anyone influential you know for demo. Get the word out. Advertise intelligently, at lowest cost possible. Then you have to make good on your promises. Get the speakers that are ordered by the dealers to them in a timely manner. Keep the quality exactly the same. Make it easy for them to sell your speaker. Manage growth without quality control problems. Keep up with the competition. Once you get some market penetration, you can get the existing local independant reps to pick up your line. This will free you up to handle the million other things you have to do. Good product alone will not do it. You have to have consistency in both production and your dealings with the industry. Your word is key, and you have to make them know that they can depend on you. They are not going to be left out in the wind, trying to cover your butt. If you get this far, then you have a good shot at succeeding. It is very tough, and in a questionable economy, there are great perils in a disposable income business. There are others out there trying to do the same thing, and you can make some friends along the way. Tagging on to the right person's coat-tails can really help you get where you need to go. Sometimes an old hand in the industry will take a liking to you and help you get where you could never get by yourself, so look for the guiding hand. But be careful. And stay away from venture capitalists who seek to invest in your company, but want control. That is the end. You have to control your own destiny.
Trying to Enter the "HiFi" Bizz
Hi
I would like to know what is the best route to enter the HIFI business. I would like to go into commercial production eventually. I would like to know the best way to gain experience regarding the technical aspects of High-End audio. My aim is to set up a High End manufacturing setup in a country with lower costs of production an overheads like nOrh or Plinius.
I have made a couple of High-End speakers myself and am aware of the markup (profit margins) that exist.
I would be grateful to any and every suggestion made
I would like to know what is the best route to enter the HIFI business. I would like to go into commercial production eventually. I would like to know the best way to gain experience regarding the technical aspects of High-End audio. My aim is to set up a High End manufacturing setup in a country with lower costs of production an overheads like nOrh or Plinius.
I have made a couple of High-End speakers myself and am aware of the markup (profit margins) that exist.
I would be grateful to any and every suggestion made